Hey Westie, have a look in this forum, it might give you a few ideas? Cheers Cheryl
http://frogs.org.au/forum/viewforum.php?f=15&sid=440982b7c9f3d366c2b6e7630f0ebeb5
And here's a bit more info for you Westie.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Encouraging frogs into your garden
Enticing frogs into your garden can be relatively simple - it is almost as easy as ?just adding water?!
Start by providing a source of water for the frogs in the form a pond. The shape of the pond is more important than the size. At least one of the sides of the pond must have a gradual slope to enable the frogs to get out of the water. In the warmer months of the year, tadpoles will move towards the deeper, cooler water. In the cooler months they will seek warmer water on the edges.
You can buy preformed ponds from garden centres or hardware stores. Alternatively you can make you own pond by digging a hole, being sure to remove all stones and sharp objects, then coating the hole with a layer of sand before finally placing a poly butyl pond liner in it. For the best results, be sure to follow the manufactures instructions.
Selecting the site for your pond
When you are selecting the location of your pond you may want to place it well away from your house and from your neighbour?s bedroom windows - the croaking can at times become very loud!
Once you have constructed your pond, it is now time to add the water. If you are adding tap water to you pond, please wait a few days before you add anything living to it as tap water contains chlorine that can be extremely harmful.
Providing shelter
Frogs and tadpoles like plenty of hiding places and lots of shade. Stock your pond with plenty of pond plants of various sizes and heights.
When selecting your plants be sure to have a mixture of species and only buy plants that are suited to the location of your pond - for example if your pond is in a shady spot then only choose plants that thrive in shade.
When you purchase your pond plants they will most likely come in pots. If you are unable to plant the plants directly into the bank of the pond - for example if your pond is prefabricated from a liner - then simply stand the plant pots in the pond at the required depths. (You may need a few small pebble placed underneath the pots to level them up a bit if you pond has sloping sides).
When placing you plants in the pond, be sure to read the label of the plant. If you plant is too deep or too shallow the plant will most probably die.
Hiding places
Logs and boulders can look very attractive and natural if they are well selected and placed in and around you pond. You may even like to place some grasses or rushes around them to help to create a more natural looking effect. The added benefit of the logs and boulders is they also make great hiding spots for the frogs. (When sourcing logs and boulders, don?t take them from areas where they are already be used as homes by other creatures)
Depending on the position of your pond, you may find that in a very short-time your pond will be inundated with algae. If this happens, talk to a reputable pond supply stockist who may recommend purchasing a pond filter that can help control the problem.
In addition to constructing the pond there are a few other things that your can do to make your garden more frog friendly. Provide a food source for the frogs by encouraging more insects into the garden. This can be done by mulching your garden beds, keeping a compost heap and planting local native plants. Frogs also like humidity to try where possible to have a well-vegetated garden. Plant ground covers and understorey plants.
While you are waiting for your local frogs to turn up to your newly made frog haven, please don?t be tempted to visit your local pet shop to purchase frogs or tadpoles that are not native to your particular area. Introduced species of frogs can cause real environmental problems for other species. Be patient, yours will come!! If they are slow to arrive, play a tape of frog calls on a hot humid night. Once one arrives, the others will follow quickly and then you will have your very own frog chorus.
All creatures great and small
Overtime, as your pond becomes more established and well known to creatures in your area you will find all sorts of things turning up including dragonflies, mayflies, water beetles and snails. You will discover that birds too will also come down for a drink and the occasional bath.
Frogs and swimming pools don't mix
If you have a swimming pool in your garden, there is a chance that frogs could occasionally drown in it. Frogs are attracted by the high humidity and the gardens surrounding of the swimming pool. In order to prevent accidental drownings, some sort of sloping float should be placed in the pool. This should be at the edge of the pool because frogs swim around the edge when they are looking for a toehold to climb out of the pool.
